Giraffe, flamingo on menu for ancient Romans: Research

ROME (AFP) - Ancient Romans dined on giraffes, pink flamingos and exotic spices from as far away as Indonesia, according to a new scientific study of excavations in Pompeii near Naples in southern Italy.

The study of food waste dug up by researchers from the University of Cincinnati in the United States led by archaeologist Steven Ellis found that menus in the city were far richer and more varied than previously thought.

The most used foods found in drains and dumps were grains, fruits, nuts, olives, lentils, local fish and eggs but there was also more exotic fare like salted fish from Spain, or imported shellfish and sea urchins.